Types of Disabilities in Fernandina Beach
Hearing difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Fernandina Beach, affecting 948 residents (7.3% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 948 | 7.3% |
| Vision difficulty | 558 | 4.3% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 654 | 5.2% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 853 | 6.8% |
| Self-care difficulty | 277 | 2.2% |
| Independent living difficulty | 644 | 5.5% |
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- Average wait time: 343 days
- Initial approval rate: 40%
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Disability by Age Group
In Fernandina Beach, 41.7% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 30.7% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 256 | 30.7% |
| 5 to 17 | 68 | 3.8% |
| 18 to 64 | 409 | 8.1% |
| 65 to 74 | 593 | 20.0% |
| 75 and over | 790 | 41.7% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 971 | 15.7% |
| Female | 1,145 | 16.8% |
Women in Fernandina Beach have a higher disability rate (16.8%) compared to men (15.7%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 1,878 | 16.9% |
| Black or African American | 116 | 12.3% |
| Asian | 36 | 24.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 83 | 6.2% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Fernandina Beach's median household income of $92,535 is above the county median ($74,183) and above the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 4.5%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Fernandina Beach
Fernandina Beach residents in Wakulla County apply for SSDI through Florida's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 40% |
| Hearing approval rate | 56% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 343 days |
With an initial approval rate of 40% in Florida and an average wait of 343 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Florida disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Fernandina Beach
If you live in Fernandina Beach and believe you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits:
Online
Apply at ssa.gov/applyfordisability - available 24/7.
By Phone
Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778), Monday-Friday, 8 AM-7 PM.
In Person
Visit your local Social Security office. Find the nearest at secure.ssa.gov/ICON.
If you think you might qualify for benefits, working with a disability advocate can really help your chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people in Fernandina Beach have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 2,116 residents of Fernandina Beach, Florida have at least one disability, representing 16.3% of the population of 12,979.
What is the most common disability type in Fernandina Beach?
The most common type is hearing difficulty, affecting 948 residents (7.3%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Florida?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Florida is approximately 40%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 56%. Average processing time is 343 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Fernandina Beach?
You can apply online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office. Many applicants benefit from working with a disability lawyer.
What is the median income in Fernandina Beach?
The median household income in Fernandina Beach is $92,535.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Wakulla County.
Check If You Qualify for Disability Benefits
Answer a few quick questions to see if you may be eligible for SSDI or SSI. It takes about 2 minutes and it is completely free.
Sources & Methodology
All data for Fernandina Beach is compiled from official government sources.
- U.S. Census Bureau - American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table S1810 (Disability Characteristics), 2023
- U.S. Census Bureau - American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table DP03 (Selected Economic Characteristics), 2023
- Social Security Administration - SSI Recipients by State and County, 2024
- Social Security Administration - SSDI approval and processing data, Fiscal Year 2024